Invest in yourself by designing your own professional and personal development. But how do you design said development suited to help you reach your potential? What would it cover? What do you need to know? What aspects of yourself do you want to develop? Imagine a custom program to fit your personal/professional development.

You can do it. In fact, no one can do it better than you. Here’s how:

1. BE TRUE TO THE SPIRIT OF PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT.

Professional development is a system of continuous growth and learning. Don’t be satisfied with the occasional workshop, seminar or graduate course. Plan to make your learning and development ongoing. Want a simple goal in this regard? Read two new books in your field every month. Keep the list of titles and dates in your journal, day timer, on your computer or iPad. Just make sure you can look at it, add to it, and feel confident that you are, in fact, growing.

2. MAKE AN ASSESSMENT OF HOW YOU WANT TO IMPROVE.

What aspects of yourself do you want to build upon in your professional life? In your personal life? Could you use some work on communication, writing, conflict resolution, assertiveness, leading meetings, or stress management? Could you use some help on balancing work life issues? Make a list for your eyes only. Watch for opportunities to target those areas of self-improvement.